Container lid apparatus

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus that includes a movably attachable trigger portion that is attached to the rim of a beverage container along with a lid portion that is attached to the trigger portion and is placed on top of the rim of the glass. The lid is located along the rim so that it may prevent insects and other foreign material from entering the interior of the glass when not in use. When the user picks up the glass in order to consume the beverage inside or to refill the container, the trigger portion is variously activated allowing the lid to rise off of the rim of the container giving access to the interior of the glass.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/928,736, filed Oct. 31, 2019, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of container lids,and more specifically to a removable container lid apparatus.

BACKGROUND

The use of cups, glasses, and other beverage containers outdoors is verycommon, especially during the warm months of the of the year. Thesebeverage containers can include a typical glass or cup having a unitarybottom with sidewalls that define an interior compartment and an opentop being defined by a rim, otherwise known as the rim of the glass.

One disadvantage of using these types of beverage containers outdoors isthe possibility that an insect and/or other type of environmental item,such as a leaf or twig, may inadvertently enter into the glass and intothe beverage contained therein. In order to prevent this from occurring,it is common for people to place cell phones, napkins, coasters, andother items on the rim of the glass in order to prevent the in advertentinsect or other item from contaminating their drink. The use of thesecoasters, napkins, etc. is not efficient and not effective.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,597 discloses a self-closing container lid.Disclosed is a removable self-closing lid for covering a top of acontainer, wherein the container has an outer wall surface and a topwith an opening for accessing into the container. The lid includes acap, a pressure fitting and sealing perimeter lip for securing the capover the container top, and a pouring aperture. Further included in thelid is an automatic leveraging mechanism which is activated by a userexerting pressure on a trigger, thereby opening the pouring aperture.

US20100163559 discloses a single serving beverage container. The singleserving beverage container has a body with a first end and an oppositesecond end that is relatively smaller than the first end. The first endis open and the second end is closed. The body defines an interiorcavity of a predetermined volume for containing a beverage. A protectivefilm is removably mounted to a rim at the first end and forms aliquid-tight seal therewith.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,750,825 discloses a self-closing cap. A cap for closinga filler tube or the like having a spring hinge mechanism designed tomaintain the cap in an open position when the cap is on one side of anover-center position and to snap the cap closed when the cap is pivotedto the other side of the over-center position. Means are provided toreduce the likelihood that the cap will remain in the opened positionwhen the machinery to which the filler tube is attached is put intooperation.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,456,710 discloses drink containers and cap assemblies.Drink containers include a liquid container and a cap assembly removablycoupled to the liquid container. Cap assemblies include a body thatdefines a drink outlet for dispensing drink liquid, and an operationalassembly that is operatively coupled to the body and that has at leastan open configuration permitting drink liquid to be dispensed and aclosed configuration restricting drink liquid from being dispensed.

USD720183 illustrates a design for a wine tumbler.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,408 discloses a beverage drinking container. Adrinking container is provided with a removable cap engageable with acup in sealing arrangement. A drinking opening is provided in the capand is normally sealed shut by a spring biased plug. A trigger on theexterior of the cap, when actuated, withdraws the plug from the drinkingopening to allow the user to imbibe a beverage. An object of theinvention is to provide a totally enclosed drinking container having areleasable plug in a drinking aperture which will automatically resume asealing engagement upon release of an actuating trigger mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,090 discloses a beverage dispenser. A dispenser foruse with a pressurizable fluid container. The dispenser comprises a headremovably connectable with the container. The head includes an inlet, anoutlet, a valve seat, a cavity and a chamber for fluid communicationbetween the inlet and outlet. The valve seat is located between theinlet and the chamber. The cavity is located between the inlet and thevalve seat. A valve body has a portion locatable in the chamber. Thevalve body is actuatable for movement between an open position allowingfluid flow through the chamber and a closed position blocking fluid flowthrough the chamber. The valve body includes a seal seat surface adaptedto face in a direction towards the inlet when the valve body is withinthe chamber. A seal is receivable on the valve body for engagement withthe seal seat surface.

US20160152388 discloses an apparatus and method for drinking containercover. Embodiments relate to a cover for protecting the contents of adrinking container from unwanted contamination. The cover can have amiddle portion and a first flap and a second flap extending away fromthe middle portion. The first flap can be rotatable relative to themiddle portion from a first position in which the first flap isgenerally parallel with and adjacent to the middle portion to a secondposition in which the first flap extends at an angle away from themiddle portion. In some embodiments, when the first flap is rotated tothe second position, the first flap can surround at least a portion ofan outside surface of the drinking container adjacent to the opening soas to secure the cover to the drinking container to cover the opening ofthe drinking container.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,515,480 discloses a protecting covering for drinkingvessels. Drinking vessels allowed to stand for any length of time withliquid therein, and especially in those countries where flies andsimilar insects abound, ‘there is danger of the liquid becomingpolluted. It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide asimple, economical and effective covering which can be readily placedover the top of a drinking vessel to protect its contents from insectsand other contamination. It is also an object of the invention toprovide means associated with the covering to protect the edge or lip ofthe drinking vessel so that the mouth of the person drinking is keptfrom direct contact with the glass or material of the vessel whiledrinking, so that there is a minimum likelihood of contamination by thetransmission of germs or microbes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,858 discloses a divided beverage server. Thebeverage server has a divided fluid container comprising a pair ofisolated chambers. The container has mounted thereon a closure cap of acap assembly which locks to the top of the container. The closure caphas filler caps on its upper face for alternately exposing the chambersto permit filling them with beverages to be dispensed, and closing offthe chambers from the outside. The cap assembly houses a chamberselection mechanism for alternately selecting one or the other of thechambers from which to dispense a beverage. The chamber selectionmechanism includes a trigger housed in the handle which actuates a rackand pinion assembly housed in the closure cap.

All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference.

None of the above cited documents, alone or in combination satisfy theneed for a container lid apparatus that addresses the above-mentioneddeficiencies.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a container lid apparatus.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided acontainer lid apparatus, for use with an open container having a rim andessentially vertical side walls, said apparatus comprising: a containerattachment member comprising a main body, attached to a clip via a rimsupport member; a lid, sized and proportioned to cover said opencontainer, said lid connected to said container attachment member via ahinge; and a trigger mechanism, connected to said lid, whereinactivation of said trigger, moves said lid from a first position to asecond position.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided amethod of removably covering an open container, said open containerhaving a rim and essentially vertical side walls, said method comprisingthe steps: positioning an apparatus on said rim of said container, saidapparatus comprising a lid, a trigger, and a main body; securing saidapparatus to said open container; and activating said trigger, saidtrigger being configured to move said lid from a first position to asecond position.

The advantages and features of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following more detailed description andclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which likeelements are identified with like symbols.

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, themost significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to thefigure number in which that element is first introduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, themost significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to thefigure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present inventionwith the lid portion in a closed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention with the lid portion in an opened position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present inventionwith the lid portion being returned back to a closed position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a lid of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates is a rear view of an embodiment of the triggerportion of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective front view of an embodiment of thetrigger portion of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of embodiments of component partsof the hinge mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective front view of an additional embodimentof the trigger portion of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective front view of yet another embodiment ofthe trigger portion of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates various views an embodiment of the invention that isspecifically designed to work with a stemmed wine glass.

FIG. 11 illustrates various views an embodiment of the invention that isspecifically designed to work with a universal container.

FIG. 12 illustrates various views an embodiment of the invention that isspecifically designed to work with a push button pint glass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented interms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention isnot limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in theart will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention arepossible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, andthat any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention.It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the presentinvention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the presentinvention, and the configurations shall be shown and described forpurposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation ofscope.

Embodiments of the present invention advantageously fill theaforementioned deficiencies by the known prior art. The presentinvention is superior to other container lids in that it provides for aremovable container lid apparatus that can be used with multiple typesof beverage containers.

Additional embodiments of the present invention are superior to theprior art in that they can be utilized with beverage containers havingmultiple sizes and configurations. Further, it is easily attachable andcan be cleaned very efficiently.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel areparticularly pointed out in the specification. Embodiments of thepresent invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read inconjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and anypreferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed orotherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided byway of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough,complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likedesignations denote like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in association with atypical beverage container 106 shown as a stemmed wine glass. Theapparatus shown here comprises a lid 102, shown here in the fully closedposition 112, and an arm 114. Application of a downward force on thetrigger 104 results in the movement 110 of arm 114 and lid 102 in thedirection indicated by the arrows 110 and 108. The correspondingdownward movement 110 results in an upward movement 108 of the lid 102,as shown by the arrows. It can be seen that the lid and trigger form alinked leveraging mechanism which is activated by a user exertingpressure on the trigger 104, thereby opening the drinking aperture.

FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 whensufficient force has been applied to the trigger 104, such that the lid102 is moved to the fully opened position 202 via a hinge mechanism 206.When the lid is in the fully opened position 202, the trigger 104 hasmoved in the direction indicated as trigger motion 204 and the arm 114may rest in contact with the outer edge of the beverage container 106.

FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. Inthis illustration, a closing force 304 has been applied to the trigger104 in the direction shown. This results in a closing motion 302 of thelid 102, via the hinge mechanism 206, to cover the drinking surface 306of the beverage container 106.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the lid 102 of the instantinvention. The lid 102 as shown has an upper surface 402, a lowersurface 404, a lid attachment member 406 and an arm 114. In thisembodiment, the lid 102, upper surface 402, lower surface 404, lidattachment members 406, and arms 114 are of a unitary construction.

In operation, the lid attachment members 406 are configured to engagewith a lid connection member (not shown). The arm 114, when moved from afirst to a second position, results in the lid 102 moving from a closedto an open position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the inner surface of anembodiment of the a beverage attachment member 508. The embodiment shownin this figure is especially suited for employment on a stemmed wineglass. The beverage attachment member 508 comprises a clip 502 that isconfigured to hook over the rim of a wine glass. In the embodimentshown, the clip 502 comprises two prongs 512 which are linked to themain body 514 of the beverage attachment member 508 by a rim support516. The prongs 512 are hooked over the rim of the wine glass, and thewine glass rim fits into the cavity 510 formed between the prongs 512 ofthe clip 502, the rim support 516, and the main body 514 of the beverageattachment member 508. Various different embodiments of the inventionalso comprises one or more means of securement to stemmed glassware, inthe embodiment as illustrated, a first securement opening 504 isconfigured to attach to a stem of a short wine glass, and the secondsecurement opening 506 is configured to attach to a stem of a tallerwine glass.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the outer surface of anembodiment of the a beverage attachment member 508 shown in FIG. 5. Theouter view of this embodiment shows the cavity 510 formed between theprongs 512 and the main body 514 of the beverage attachment member 508.The lid attachment member 406 (not shown) attaches to lid connectionmember 602 of the main body 514 of the beverage attachment member 508.The outer view of the first securement opening 504 can be seenconfigured to attach to a stem of a short wine glass, and the secondsecurement opening 506 is similarly seen configured to attach to a stemof a taller wine glass.

FIG. 7 illustrates different types of biasing means that can be employedin various different embodiments of the invention. The biasing means mayinclude, but are not limited to, a compression spring 702 and a torsionspring 704. Various embodiments of the invention include a lid 102connected to the trigger 104 by a lid connection member 602. The lidconnection member 602 may be any type of hinged elements that can allowfor the lid to rise and be lowered upon the movement of the triggermechanism. In one embodiment, the lid connection member 602 and biasingmeans mechanism may include a watch compression spring 702 and/or atorsion spring 704 that provides sufficient force on the lid portionsuch that the lid portion is maintained in a closed position, i.e.positioned on top of the rim of the beverage container 106.

In various embodiments of the invention, the lid connection member 602functions to attach the lid attachment member 406 to the lid connectionmember 602 by techniques known to those of skill in the field. Thebiasing means is associated with the lid connection member 602, and thebiasing means may comprise a torsion spring 704 or a compression spring702 or pin, or a combination thereof (shown in perspective in FIG. 10i).

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that is particularlysuited to fit on to a beverage container 106 with essentially verticalsides, such as a tall glass, mason jar, jug, cup or mug. The main body514 of the beverage attachment member 508 and clip 502 fit over the rimof the beverage container 106 via cavity 510 formed by the rim support516. The lid connection member 602 being attached to the lid attachmentmember 406 (not shown) via the various components of the including thebiasing means (also not shown).

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that resembles theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 8. This figure shows part of the mainbody 514 of the beverage attachment member 508 and clip 502 that fitover the rim of the beverage container 106 (not shown) via cavity 510formed by the rim support 516. The lid connection member 602 beingattached to the lid attachment member 406 (not shown) via the variouscomponents of the beverage attachment member 508 and biasing means (alsonot shown). However, this embodiment also comprises a different triggermechanism. A push button 902, shown located on or in the on the mainbody 514 of the beverage attachment member 508, is connected to the lid102 (not shown) via an actuating member 904.

It is contemplated that the push button 902 may in fact be located atvarious positions on the apparatus. Additionally, the actuating member904 may exert its effect via cooperation with a trigger 104, push button902 or directly with the lid 102.

FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed view of the numerous components of theembodiment of the invention that is specifically designed to work with astemmed wine glass.

FIG. 10a essentially shows the embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIGS. 1-3. The lid can be seen in a fully opened position 202 and afully closed position 112. The actuating member 904 can be seenencompassing the side of the wine glass and the apparatus being securedto the glass by means of the a secure opening.

FIG. 10b shows a top view of a wine glass embodiment having an outercircumference that extends beyond the outer circumference of the wineglass. The position of part of the arm 114 mechanism can be seen alongwith lid attachment members 406 and actuating member attachment means408.

FIG. 10c shows a side view of a lid, sized and proportioned toaccommodate a wine glass. The lid can be seen to be contoured, in thisembodiment, to be thickened in the center of the lid, such that thissection of the lid extends down into the wine glass. The upper portionof the arm 114 can be seen with the actuating member attachment means408. The lid attachment member 406 can be seen projecting down from theouter circumference of the lid.

FIG. 10d is a perspective view of the clip 502 that extends over the rimof the wine glass and down the inner edge of the wine glass. The lidconnection members 602 can be seen on the outer side of the apparatus.The contoured shape of the clip 502 can clearly be seen in this figure.

FIG. 10e is a side view of FIG. 10d showing the same elements of theapparatus.

FIG. 10f shows a typical torsion spring 704, that can be used inconjunction with a compression spring 702 or pin, to provide a biasingmeans between the arm 114 of the lid 102 and the lid attachment members406.

FIG. 10g shows a perspective view of the actuating member 904. It can beseen that the actuating member 904 in this embodiment of the inventionhas two triggers 104.

FIG. 10h shows the main body 514 of the apparatus featuring a triggerchannel and actuating member clips that hold the actuating member 904 inplace. This figure shows a main body that has three separate securementopenings to accommodate wine glasses of different heights.

FIG. 10i shows a complete fully assembled apparatus in accordance withan embodiment of the invention as designed to fit variously dimensionedwine glasses. The main body 514 of the apparatus can be seen with threesecurement openings 506 and a channel to accommodate the actuatingmember 904, which is secured in place by two actuating member clips. Theactuating member 904 has two triggers 104 at a lower end of theactuating member 904, one being situated between the actuating memberclips to prevent to the actuating member 904 being moved too far ineither direction. The upper end of the actuating member 904 is attachedto the arm 114 of the lid 102 by way of the lid attachment memberactuating member attachment means 408. The lid attachment member 406 andlid connection member 602 are connected via the biasing means. The lowerportion of the main body 514 of the apparatus and the actuating member904 are flexible and therefore able to conform to the outer surface ofthe wine glass.

FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed view of the numerous components of theembodiment of the invention that is specifically designed to work with auniversal variety of containers.

FIG. 11a shows a perspective view of the lid 102 of an embodiment of theinvention. The contoured lower surface 410 of the lid 102 and theactuating member attachment means 408 and lid attachment member 406 canbe seen.

FIG. 11b shows a top view of a lid 102 and arm 114, the lid 102 havingan outer circumference that extends beyond the outer circumference ofthe universal container. The position of part of the arm 114, actuatingmember attachment means 408 can be seen along with lid attachmentmembers 406.

FIG. 11c shows a side view of the lid, again showing the relativepositioning of the contoured lower surface 410 of the lid 102 and theactuating member attachment means 408 and lid attachment member 406.

FIG. 11d shows a typical torsion spring 704, that can be used inconjunction with a compression spring 702 or pin, to provide a biasingmeans between the actuating member attachment means 408 on the arm 114of the lid 102 and the lid attachment members 406.

FIG. 11e shows a perspective view of the clip 502 that extends over therim of the container and down the inner edge of the container. The lidconnection members 602 can be seen on the outer side of the apparatus.The contoured shape of the clip 502 can clearly be seen in this figure,typically the contoured shape of the clip 502 is greater in thisembodiment than in the wine glass embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11f shows a side view of FIG. 11e showing the same elements of theapparatus.

FIG. 11g shows the embodiment of the invention attached to a universalcontainer. The lid can be seen in a fully opened position 202 and afully closed position 112. The actuation of the activation of theapparatus is achieved by the user applying an opening force to the arm114 of the lid 102. The lid 102 then opens about the pivot pointproduced between the side of the container and the lid attachment member406.

FIG. 11h shows the lid 102 positioned on the rim of a container, held inposition with the clip 502. When the opening force on the arm 114 of thelid 102 is removed, the torsion force in the biasing means causes thelid 102 to close.

FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed view of the numerous components of theembodiment of the invention that is specifically designed to work with apush button 902 pint glass or mug design.

FIG. 12a shows a side view of a lid 102 having a contoured lower surface410 and an actuating member attachment means 408 and lid attachmentmember 406.

FIG. 12b shows a top view of the lid 102 of an embodiment having anouter circumference that extends beyond the outer circumference of thecontainer. The position of the actuating member attachment means 408 andlid attachment member 406 can be seen.

FIG. 12c shows a typical torsion spring 704, that can be used inconjunction with a compression spring 702 or pin, to provide a biasingmeans between the actuating member attachment means 408 on the lid 102and the lid attachment members 406.

FIG. 12d shows a side view of an embodiment of the main body 514 of theapparatus having a push button 902 activation system. Again the upperportion of the main body 514 features a clip 502 sized and proportionedto fit onto the beverage container 106.

FIG. 12e shows a front view of an embodiment of the main body 514 of theapparatus having a push button 902 activation system. The push button902, in the center of the main body 514 can clearly be seen. The upperportion of the main body 514 comprises a pair of lid attachment members406 accommodating a biasing means.

FIG. 12f shows a cross sectional side view of the main body 514 of thepush button 902 embodiment of the invention. In this particularembodiment, the movement of the actuating member 904 (not shown) isachieved via the interaction of a pair of cog devices. Depression of thepush button 902 causes movement of a first castellated member thatcauses a first cog to rotate. The rotation of the first cog, causes therotation of a second cog that is positioned in functional alignment withthe first cog. Rotation of the second cog causes movement of a secondcastellated member. Movement of the second castellated member causes theactuating member 904 (not shown) to move and thereby move the lid 102 toa fully opened position 202. The push button 902 rotates about a pivotpin installed within the main body 514.

FIG. 12g shows the complete push button 902 apparatus installed on anupper portion of a container, with the lid 102 in the fully closedposition 112. The clip 502 can be seen on the inner surface of thecontainer and the actuating member 904 can be seen exiting the main body514 and being attached to the actuating member attachment means 408 onthe lid 102.

FIG. 12h shows the complete apparatus installed on an upper portion of acontainer, with the lid 102 in the fully opened position 202.

The appended figures which accompany the written portion of thisspecification illustrate embodiments for the present invention, namely acontainer lid apparatus, constructed and operative according to theteachings of the present invention.

Further embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatusthat includes a movably attachable trigger portion that is attached tothe rim of a beverage container along with a lid portion that isattached to the trigger portion and is placed on top of the rim of theglass. The lid is located along the rim so that it may prevent insectsand other foreign material from entering the interior of the glass whennot in use. When the user picks up the glass in order to consume thebeverage inside or to refill the container, the trigger portion isvariously activated allowing the lid to rise off of the rim of thecontainer giving access to the interior of the glass. Similarly, whenthe beverage container 106 is replaced after drinking, the trigger 104mechanism causes the lid 102 to cover the beverage container 106.

Variously described embodiments of the invention include a cap, lid orcover, a means of connecting to the container and a means of moving thecap, lid or cover from a first closed position to a second openposition. The apparatus is variously configured to fit on a wine glass,including a stemmed wine glass, a beverage container such as a cup, mug,bottle or can.

It is also contemplated to be within the scope of protection sought thatthe apparatus of the various embodiments of the invention can be used toprotect the contents of various containers and not be limited to justbeverage containers. Embodiments of the invention can find applicationsin various usages including, but not limited to: covering the contentsof opened cans of human or animal, food thereby preventing entry ofbacteria and other pathogens; covering a variety of open containers,thereby preventing entry of dust and dirt; and covering a variety ofopen liquid containers, thereby preventing evaporation of liquidcontents.

In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus comprises a clipmechanism to attach the lid, or lid/trigger combination to the beveragecontainer. The clip mechanism may be attached to the rim or edge of thebeverage container 106. In some embodiments, particularly for stemmedglassware, the apparatus may be secured in place with a part of theapparatus engaging with the stem of the glassware. and a pulling in/downtrigger to open and close the lid. In some embodiments of the invention,the lid comprises a leveraging mechanism which is activated by a userexerting pressure on a trigger, thereby opening the lid.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a removablecontainer lid apparatus. The apparatus may be utilized with variousbeverage containers such as a glass, cup, can or other containers. Thesebeverage containers can include a unitary bottom with sidewalls thatdefine an interior compartment and an open top being defined by a rim,otherwise known as the rim of the glass. The apparatus may include atrigger portion that can be removably attachable attached to a beveragecontainer along its rim and a lid portion that is attached by a hingemechanism to the trigger portion and that may be positioned on top ofthe glass along the rim portion of the glass such that the interiorcompartment of the glass is covered.

The trigger portion may be secured to the glass by a clip or rounded topsection of the trigger portion. This will allow for the attachment, andsubsequent removal, of the apparatus to the container with ease andefficiency. The rounded or clip portion of the trigger portion may bereferred to as a clip. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,the trigger portion may also include securing openings for use with acontainer that has a stem, such as a wine glass. As is illustrated,there may be one or more securing openings in order to allow for theapparatus to be used with multiple sizes of wineglasses.

In some embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the lid portion isconnected to the trigger portion by a hinge mechanism. The hingemechanism may be any type of hinge mechanism that can allow for the lidto rise and be lowered upon the movement of the trigger mechanism. Inone embodiment, the hinge mechanism may include a watch compressionspring and/or a torsion spring that provides sufficient force on the lidportion such that the lid portion is maintained in a closed position,i.e. positioned on top of the rim of the container.

In operation, a user will clip the trigger mechanism to the rim of aglass. The trigger mechanism will then rest along the exterior side wallof the glass. The lid portion will be positioned on top of the glassalong the rim, thus covering the interior of the glass. The hingemechanism will be applying sufficient force against the lid portionkeeping the lid portion in place on top of the glass, preventing anyinadvertent movement or removal thereof.

In order to gain access into the interior of the container. The useractivates the trigger portion by a downward movement of that of thetrigger portion. Due to the lid portion being connected to the triggerportion, the downward movement of the trigger portion is transferred tothe lid portion. Further, the downward movement is sufficient toovercome the force of the hinge mechanism that is being applied to thelid portion. As such, the lid portion rotates at the hinge mechanismcausing the lid portion to rise off of the rim of the container. Oncethe trigger portion is returned to its original position. The force bythe spring portion of the hinge mechanism automatically returns the lidportion back to its original position located on the rim of thecontainer.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously,many modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in orderto best explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to bestutilize the invention and various embodiments with various modificationsas are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood thatvarious omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated ascircumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to coverthe application or implementation without departing from the spirit orscope of the claims of the present invention.

1. A container lid apparatus, for use with an open container having arim and essentially vertical side walls, said apparatus comprising: acontainer attachment member comprising a main body, attached to a clipvia a rim support member; a lid, sized and proportioned to cover saidopen container, said lid connected to said container attachment membervia a hinge; and a trigger mechanism, connected to said lid, whereinactivation of said trigger, moves said lid from a first position to asecond position.
 2. The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidfirst position is an open position and said second position is a closedposition.
 3. The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said firstposition is a closed position and said second position is an openposition.
 4. The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hingecomprises a biasing means.
 5. The container lid apparatus of claim 4,wherein said biasing means is selected from the group consisting of atorsion spring and a compression spring.
 6. The container lid apparatusof claim 1, wherein said container attachment member comprises one ormore means of attachment to a stem of a wine glass.
 7. The container lidapparatus of claim 1, wherein said clip comprises one or more prongs. 8.The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said trigger comprises apush button.
 9. The container lid apparatus of claim 8, wherein saidtrigger additionally comprises one or more cog assemblies.
 10. Thecontainer lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said trigger comprises anactuating member attached to said lid.
 11. A method of removablycovering an open container, said open container having a rim andessentially vertical side walls, said method comprising the steps:positioning an apparatus on said rim of said container, said apparatuscomprising a lid, a trigger, and a main body; securing said apparatus tosaid open container; and activating said trigger, said trigger beingconfigured to move said lid from a first position to a second position.12. The method of claim 11, wherein said first position is an openposition and said second position is a closed position.
 13. The methodof claim 11, wherein said first position is a closed position and saidsecond position is an open position.
 14. The method of claim 11, whereinsaid step of activating said trigger is achieved by application of aforce on said trigger.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein said step ofactivating said trigger is achieved by application of a force on saidtrigger, said force being transferred to said lid via a hingedconnection.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein said step of positioningsaid apparatus comprises affixing said apparatus to the rim of saidcontainer.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said apparatus comprisesa main body, attached to a clip via a rim support member and said stepof affixing comprises inserting said clip on an interior surface of saidopen container and said main body on an outer surface of said opencontainer and said rim support member on the rim of said open container.18. The method of claim 16, wherein said main body additionallycomprises one or more means of securement to a stem of a wine glass, andsaid step of securing comprises securing said main body to the stem viathe one of said one or more means of securement.
 19. The method of claim11, wherein said step of activating said trigger comprises pushing abutton.